Big Brother participants entered the purpose-built compound in Manly in Sydney at the end of February.

The Australian borders were closed to all non-residents on March 20, and social distance rules were imposed shortly thereafter.

“They couldn’t believe what they were told. It was the consequences that fascinated them, “said Sonia.

The TV presenter told that she also told the housemates about the angry fights at supermarkets during panic purchases.

“I remember telling them about the argument over the toilet paper and they thought I was turning them on,” she said.

“They were equally shocked, especially the boys, at the suspension of the football codes. For them, that was a measure of the severity of the pandemic. ‘

“They couldn’t believe what they were told. It was the consequences that fascinated them ‘: Sonia said the cast was shocked by news of panic purchases and the cancellation of football matches. Pictured: Big Brother cast

Sonia said the executive producer addressed the cast from the diary room to make sure they “understood” the seriousness of the situation.

While the cast tested negative and didn’t have to abide by social distance rules during filming, the crew was a different story.

Production was forced to stop when one of the crew members came into contact with someone who had tested positive for coronavirus.

Why was it not filmed? Sonia previously revealed that participants in the diary room were aware of the coronavirus pandemic on March 13, but it was not recorded for TV

Sonia previously revealed that participants were aware of the coronavirus pandemic on March 13.

She told Sunrise, “Our executive producer entered the house and spoke to them through the diary room, but it was not filmed.”

‘[The producer] did not enter the house. She talked to them through the diary room and answered all their questions, “added Sonia.

Pandemic: Sonia confirmed that participants were regularly informed about COVID-19 and had access to their families through a ‘wellness manager’

Sonia confirmed that participants were regularly informed about COVID-19 and had access to their families through a “wellness manager” during filming.

Since the series was all pre-recorded, Australia only gets one chance to vote at the end of the reality TV show.

In July, the public chooses one lucky participant from three finalists with the $ 250,000 prize money.

Big Brother Australia will premiere on Channel Seven on Monday at 7:30 PM